Effects of TENS With and Without Core Stabilization Exercises on Low Back Pain, Inter-Recti Distance, and Transversus Abdominis Thickness in Postpartum Women With Diastasis Recti Abdominis - NCT07929727

Sponsor: University of Management and Technology Lahore Conditions: Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum) Low back pain is a common complaint among postpartum females, often associated with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), a condition characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. This separation can lead to reduced core stability, altered biomechanics, and impaired functional performance. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential to address pain, restore abdominal muscle integrity, and improve overall function in this population. This study aims to investigate the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) with and without core stabilization exercises on low back pain, inter-recti distance (IRD), and transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness in postpartum females with diastasis recti abdominis. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted in which participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving TENS alone and the other receiving TENS combined with core stabilization exercises. Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed through standardized scales, inter-recti distance measured using musculoskeletal ultrasound, and transversus abdominis thickness evaluated at rest and during contraction. These measures will be recorded before and after the intervention period to determine treatment effectiveness. Group A will receive TENS for pain relief. Group B will receive TENS combined with core stabilization exercises such as abdominal drawing-in, pelvic tilts, and bridging for 4-6 weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Paired t-tests will assess within-group changes, and independent t-tests will compare between groups. A p-value ≤ 0.05 will be considered significant. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the added benefit of core stabilization exercises when combined with TENS in postpartum rehabilitation. This may help in developing more effective physiotherapy protocols for managing low back pain and abdominal muscle dysfunction in females with diastasis recti abdominis.